Frustrated shoppers took to Reddit to accuse Australian luxury fashion brand Christopher Esber of selling polyester clothing at exorbitant prices.
A post on r/Aus FemaleFashion inspired a discussion about the quality of materials used by high-end designers.
The original poster expressed shock when he discovered a Christopher Esber top made primarily of polyester was listed for $395 AUD ($235). “I don’t understand why someone would pay $235 for this, let alone the $395 MSRP, when you’re not paying for high-quality materials,” they wrote.
The poster compared the piece to fast-fashion giant Shein, noting that it’s questionable why people would spend hundreds of dollars on synthetic materials when similar items can be found for much less. They contrasted this with silk Zimmermann pieces and thought it was worth the investment for its durable quality.
The increasing use of synthetic materials such as polyester by luxury brands has raised questions about consumer value and environmental impact. Polyester, a petroleum-derived plastic-based fiber, can take up to 200 years to break down in a landfill. When washed, these synthetic garments release microplastics that end up in waterways and oceans, damaging marine ecosystems.
Making informed choices about the materials your clothing is made of can help protect both your wallet and the planet. Natural fibers such as organic hemp, linen, and cotton are sustainable alternatives that biodegrade naturally. These materials often last longer than synthetic options, reducing the need for replacement and providing better value over time.
Many in the Reddit community echoed these concerns in the comments section.
“It seems like there are high prices everywhere right now. It’s really frustrating!” one user wrote.
Another said: “I think this happens a lot, especially with the rebranding of ‘vegan silk’ which is just cupro or viscose. But they still sell it in numbers as if it were real silk.” It’s priced at a hundred dollars.”
A third commenter pointed out similarities with other brands, writing, “No different from brands like Veronica Mayne, where $100 used to buy you a silk/cotton blend top that you could wear for years. , now it’s all poly (I pay $400 for a dress, but when I look at the materials, “voile” is rayon and “satin” is polyester).
Smart shoppers can make better choices by checking clothing labels before purchasing and supporting long-lasting brands that use natural materials. This approach saves money and reduces the environmental burden of fashion waste.
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